Christian Support Group Community Group
This is a place for everyone who loves Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (or those who are seeking Him), to come and discuss important issues in their lives and find support from fellow believers in regards to their faith and life. We uphold the Bible and living a Christ-like life, not as a way to heaven, but as a reflection of our love for God.
Hello. I would greatly appreciate advice on something that happened to me today while I was out shopping. I was walking into the shopping centre when a woman, sitting on a bench, asked if I could help her. She asked me for €20 for shopping. She said that she needed food for her family (8 children) and that she was a diabetic. I noticed that she was rubbing her legs and know that diabetics, like my mother, have poor circulation. I gave it to her and said that she didn't need to pay me back. Just then a lady came out of the food shop. The woman explained that this lady was helping her.
Later, I bumped into her on the main street. She thanked me and asked me if I could help her buy a pair of shoes. We crossed the road and she asked me how much I could spare. She was puffing a bit as we crossed, so I asked her how her blood sugar levels were and she said very high. We stopped in front of the church walls and she asked me if we should go in to pray. I shied away from it, and she asked me again how much I could give. I offered to go to the shops with her and buy the shoes, but she said she had other things to do and she wouldn't keep me. She asked for €100 for shoes. My eyes must have widened a bit, but I gave it to her. I'm 27 and living at home (this I told her) while I search for a job, so I could afford it. She shook hands with me and asked me would I tell anyone and get her in trouble. I was a bit confused; why would I get her in trouble? She then asked for a further €100 for sheets. I gave it to her. I asked her what she was doing to support herself, and, with a furrowed brow, she said it was very bad out there.
Rearing eight children must be a full time job, but I admit I still had my doubts because she was a stranger and kept asking for more. She then asked me how much I had on me altogether, and I politely refused to answer. She asked me for €100 more, or €50, if I could afford it. I gave her the €50. When she said that I should go ahead and make it an even €100, I drew the line at 50. We shook hands again and she was off - off to the city, she said. I was quite tired and hungry at that point because it's a long walk up to our village. I went home with a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and not knowing exactly why. Was it because I felt I'd been milked? Or is it because I didn't give her all my money? I honestly do believe her to be a diabetic. If she has eight kids and saw a gift horse, wouldn't she try to get the most out of it? I don't need it as much as she does. From reading the bible, I understand that, as Christians, we shouldn't doubt that the Lord will provide for us. But if you're not sure if the person's genuine, should you draw the line at a certain point like a did? I don't know what to do if I meet her again. What would you do?
Later, I bumped into her on the main street. She thanked me and asked me if I could help her buy a pair of shoes. We crossed the road and she asked me how much I could spare. She was puffing a bit as we crossed, so I asked her how her blood sugar levels were and she said very high. We stopped in front of the church walls and she asked me if we should go in to pray. I shied away from it, and she asked me again how much I could give. I offered to go to the shops with her and buy the shoes, but she said she had other things to do and she wouldn't keep me. She asked for €100 for shoes. My eyes must have widened a bit, but I gave it to her. I'm 27 and living at home (this I told her) while I search for a job, so I could afford it. She shook hands with me and asked me would I tell anyone and get her in trouble. I was a bit confused; why would I get her in trouble? She then asked for a further €100 for sheets. I gave it to her. I asked her what she was doing to support herself, and, with a furrowed brow, she said it was very bad out there.
Rearing eight children must be a full time job, but I admit I still had my doubts because she was a stranger and kept asking for more. She then asked me how much I had on me altogether, and I politely refused to answer. She asked me for €100 more, or €50, if I could afford it. I gave her the €50. When she said that I should go ahead and make it an even €100, I drew the line at 50. We shook hands again and she was off - off to the city, she said. I was quite tired and hungry at that point because it's a long walk up to our village. I went home with a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and not knowing exactly why. Was it because I felt I'd been milked? Or is it because I didn't give her all my money? I honestly do believe her to be a diabetic. If she has eight kids and saw a gift horse, wouldn't she try to get the most out of it? I don't need it as much as she does. From reading the bible, I understand that, as Christians, we shouldn't doubt that the Lord will provide for us. But if you're not sure if the person's genuine, should you draw the line at a certain point like a did? I don't know what to do if I meet her again. What would you do?
Your compassion and selflessness are VERY admirable .
I am skeptical so don't follow me ,PLEASE . Pray about this and read the BIBLE for God's guidance .
I will pray that HIS desire becomes clear to you .
GOD BLESS YOU & HAVE A BLESSED NIGHT!!
Elisabeth (Beth)
This is a GREAT group and the founder is exemplary but if you post this question in the CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP GROUP you might get more, additional , replies .
DON'T leave this group .
I'm not familiar with how much money that would be in American $$$ these days, but it sure sounded to me like she wanted to get you alone in church to rob you.....just a thought. She might have actually wanted to pray, but I wouldn''t get alone with a stranger of either sex when they know I have money and I know they don't....just a thought. Back later if I find a good prayer. : )
Bible Study ToolsBible StudyTopical Studies10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving
10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving
Ligon Duncan
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
Very often, people ask or wonder "what are the basic biblical principles for Christian giving?" As we seek God's answer to that question and as we contemplate our own giving to the Lord's church in response to the clear teaching of His Word, perhaps it would be wise and helpful to review those principles here.
First, let us go to the Word of God itself, without comment:
Matthew 6:1-4 Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
2 Corinthians 8:9-15 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality - at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; as it is written, "HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK."
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
In our review of these four New Testament passages, we find at least ten principles for Christian giving.
1. The Lord Jesus expects and requires us to give. Jesus said to His disciples, "when you give" not "if you give" (Matthew 6:2)! Hence, Christian giving is not optional, but rather essential. We often hear folks say: "in the Old Testament they had to give, but not in the New - now we only give if we want to." This is clearly not Jesus' teaching. He expected all His followers to be givers. Christians will give. Are you giving?
2. The Lord Jesus wants us to give for the right reasons. Jesus warned His disciples not to give for the sake of being admired by men. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them," He said (Matthew 6:1). When we give, we must be careful to examine our motives. We ought to give for the glory of God and the good of His people. We must desire His approval of our giving, rather than the praise and admiration of people. Are you giving for God's praise or man's?
3. The Lord Jesus wants us to practice benevolent or charitable giving. Jesus said "When you give to the poor . . . ." (Matthew 6:2-3). Jesus is specifically teaching about "alms" in this passage: aid, charity, or benevolent offerings for the needy. Do you give amply enough to the Church that she can be generous in benevolent giving?
4. The Lord Jesus reminds us that our giving is ultimately to the all-seeing heavenly Father. Jesus said "When you give . . . ; your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). When we give, we are not simply adding to the Church budget, we are giving up a thank offering to the Father Himself. Thus, we must all give "as unto the Lord." Our ultimate goal in giving is to please Him. Are you conscious of the fact that your giving is to the Lord and seen by the Lord?
5. The Bible teaches that Christian giving is an act of worship. In connection with the previous point, we see this truth stressed in another way in Paul's word's "On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Paul here teaches the Corinthians that their taking up of the collection is an act of worship which is to be a part of their regular Lord's Day worship. When we put our money in the plate, we are worshiping Almighty God in accordance with His Word. Note well, Paul is speaking here of a "collection for the saints" - this is giving by the Church to the Church for the Church. Did you realize that giving is a part of worship? Is your worship in this area abundant or inhibited? Is giving to the Church a priority with you?
6. The Bible teaches that Christian giving should be done in light of the incarnation. Many Christians argue about whether the tithe (10% of our income) is still the standard for our giving to the Church (disputants usually want to show that less than 10% is fine). Paul scuttles the whole debate in one verse. He says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christ's self-giving is now the standard for our giving! We begin from the base of the tithe and aim for emulation of His self-sacrifice. Our giving is to be inspired and instructed by Christ's inexpressible gift. In light of such a challenge, who could possibly satisfy himself with asking "how little a percentage is acceptable for me to give?" Do you try to get by with giving as little as possible to the Lord, or do you give in view of the Lord's costly sacrifice?
7. The Bible teaches that Christian giving should be done in accordance with our means. Paul is quite clear on this: "For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Corinthians 8:12). Put another way Paul is saying that you should give in proportion to what God has given you. He said it this way in 1 Corinthians 16:2, "each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper." This means at least two things: (1) since we are all supposed to give proportionately, those who have more money are expected to give more [we who are particularly blessed materially must remember this], and (2) the Lord never asks us to give what we do not have, or contribute beyond our means. Are you really giving in proportion to the material blessings that the Lord has given you?
8. The Bible teaches that the liberality of God's blessings to us is connected to the liberality of our Christian giving. Though it may seem strange, both Jesus and Paul emphasize that there is a relation between our giving to the Lord and the Lord's giving to us. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." About this matter J.A. Beet once said: "They who in giving think, not how little they can give, as they would if self-enrichment were the aim, but of benefits to be conferred, will receive back on the same principle. As they do to others, so God will act to them." Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew 6:4, where He teaches that our reward in giving comes from our heavenly Father. As someone once said: "The desire to be generous and the means to be generous both come from God." Do you realize that the Lord has given you much, so that you can give much?
9. The Bible teaches that Christian giving must be willing giving, free giving. We learn this in 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion." But doesn't this contradict what we learned under the first principle, that Christian giving is not optional? The answer is, of course, no. True Christian giving is both mandatory and voluntary. It is required by God, but always willingly given by the believer. Is your giving to the Church something you do wholeheartedly, or indifferently, or grudgingly?
10. The Bible teaches that Christian giving ought to be cheerful giving. As Paul says "God loves a cheerful giver." This is a truly amazing assertion. Paul assures us here that the Lord takes a special delight in those who are joyful, energetic, merry givers. Is there joy in your heart as you give? Can you truly be characterized as a "cheerful giver"?
We have not come close to reaching our potential for giving. Won't you pray that we will give as we ought? That we will give for the right motives? That we will give joyously? And that we will give extravagantly.
Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III is the Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi.
Elizabeth, when I first got your reply and was still feeling shaky when I got home, it was a surprise that someone I'd never met was praying for me, and comforting because I know a prayer from more than one person is a powerful thing.
Normaeh, I'll make sure to politely insist to go to the shops with her if I meet her again. I'll be better prepared next time.
Tying in with what Judy said, I agree that giving should be a joyful thing. Next time someone asks me to help them with a greater sum, I won't get flustered on the spot; I'll go to the store with them, talk with them about their families more, listen to them, and get to know them. I feel that's an even greater kindness than only handing them the money. I feel that's the answer that's been given to me.
Judy, I don't know if the case with your friend is similar, but I read about a man who was indebted and couldn't work because he had to stay home to care for his family. A local charity, Saint Vincent de Paul, helped him set up a business from home so that he could work and care for his family.
Thanks again. I felt very welcomed. This is the first time I've talked about my religion in depth with other Christians and it was a great experience. Blessings from Ireland.
so very glad you are here, I am not a scholar and I usually like to give simple insight. I find I am not a master of words but so often wish I could have said what is in my head and heart more fully.
Yes get to know them offer to pray , so good. people be amazed when you do that.
I often buy cold kids a hotchocklate and surprise them with it or coffeefor adults. I am not afraid of those who are not like me, I was sent by God I beleive to work in the kitchen of a hotel(rogh and tuff, ) and another business just to become relaxed and natural with them. I saw broken people much the same as the ones Jesus sat with and shared dinner with.
and each one seemed to want to talk.
Normaeh, I'm the very same myself when it comes to words, which is why I'm very grateful that we have so many ways of expressing ourselves; sometimes a hug, companionable silence or that warm cup of coffee says all we need.
I think working a job where you're in contact with a lot of people, like in a hotel, is one of the best, as I've seen what a positive attitude and kindness can do; it really does spread. Positivity attracts positivity and negativity attracts negativity, as my mother says.
Being able to give and receive something as wonderful as love makes me very happy to be a Christian.